Coming home after an operation is a big relief. Your own bed, home food and family around you all help recovery. But once you leave the hospital, looking after the wound becomes your job, and many families feel unsure about what is normal and what is not. This guide explains the basics in simple language.

This article is general information only. Always follow the instructions from your surgeon or hospital, and ask them if anything is unclear.

1. Understand your discharge instructions

Before you leave the hospital, ask the nurse or doctor to explain:

how often the dressing should be changed, and by whom
when the stitches or clips will be removed
when you can shower or bathe
which medicines to take, and for how long
when your follow-up appointment is

Write the answers down or take a photo of the discharge summary. Keep it somewhere easy to find.

2. Keep your hands and the wound clean

Most wound infections start with dirty hands. Before touching the wound or dressing:

wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds
dry them with a clean towel or tissue
make sure the surface where you place new dressings is clean

Do not let pets, children or visitors touch the wound. Do not apply home remedies, herbs, oils or powders unless your doctor has approved them.

3. Change dressings the right way

If you have been asked to change the dressing yourself, do it gently and in a quiet, well-lit room. Remove the old dressing slowly. If it sticks, a little clean saline can help. Look at the wound, then cover it with a new sterile dressing without touching the side that goes on the skin. Throw the old dressing away in a sealed bag.

If you feel nervous, a trained nurse can do this for you at home and show you how.

4. Watch for warning signs

Some redness, mild swelling and a little clear fluid are common in the first days. Contact your doctor or a nurse quickly if you notice:

redness or swelling that is spreading or getting worse
yellow or green pus, or a bad smell
the wound opening up
fever, chills or feeling very unwell
pain that gets worse instead of better
bleeding that soaks through the dressing

If there is heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing or chest pain, go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance immediately.

5. Support healing from the inside

Your body needs energy to repair itself. Eat balanced meals with protein such as eggs, beans, fish, chicken or ndengu, plus fruits and vegetables. Drink enough clean water. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they slow healing. Rest well, but gentle walking around the house, if your doctor allows it, helps circulation and prevents clots.

6. Protect the wound during daily life

Wear loose, soft clothing that does not rub the wound. Avoid lifting heavy things, including children or buckets of water, until your doctor says it is safe. When coughing or laughing after abdominal surgery, holding a pillow firmly against your tummy can reduce pain.

When to get help at home

Not every family has the time or confidence to manage wound care alone, especially when caring for an elderly parent or after a big operation. A home nurse can change dressings, check the wound for early signs of infection, help with medication and give the whole family peace of mind.

At Sahlan Home Care, our nurses visit you at home across Nairobi, so you can focus on resting and getting better.